As an incoming freshman at Winona State University pursuing a degree in nursing, I strive to embody the five key traits of strong leadership: effective communication, resilience, unselfishness, focus, and a strong work ethic in my everyday routine. I believe that effective communication is fundamental to successful leadership. In my daily interactions—whether with friends, family, or peers—I prioritize open and honest dialogue. I actively listen to others and make a conscious effort to share my thoughts in a clear, respectful manner. In group settings, such as volunteer projects with Operation Smile, I take the initiative to facilitate discussions, ensuring everyone feels heard. This collaborative approach not only helps to foster a positive environment but also encourages innovative ideas to surface, which is essential for collective success. Life is filled with challenges, and I have learned that resilience is key to overcoming obstacles. When you have an idea or share your story, it's common to encounter naysayers. Instead of letting their negativity affect you, see it as an opportunity. Each person who knows your mission brings you one step closer to finding someone who will say yes. Remember, the worst anyone can say is no. So, embrace the challenge—ask those tough, intimidating questions, have unwavering faith in your vision, and don’t let others’ opinions hold you back. Be resilient and keep pushing forward! Embodying unselfishness in my leadership means prioritizing the needs of others. My involvement with Operation Smile has profoundly shaped this value. Volunteering in various capacities, I have witnessed firsthand the impact that kindness can have on individuals facing life-altering conditions like cleft lip and palate. Whether I am organizing fundraisers or mentoring fellow volunteers, I remain committed to putting others’ needs first. This selfless dedication is rooted in my passion for nursing, where the primary goal is to improve patients’ lives. In striving towards my goals, I understand the importance of focus and determination. Balancing coursework, volunteer work, and personal commitments requires careful time management and a clear vision of what I want to achieve. I set specific, attainable goals for myself, both academically and in my volunteer efforts. This level of commitment not only strengthens my resolve but also empowers those around me to pursue their ambitions. A strong work ethic is foundational to my approach in both academics and my future career. I believe that hard work is essential in all areas of life, from completing assignments on time to dedicating myself to patient care in nursing. I approach each task with the seriousness it deserves, often going above and beyond what is required. This diligence not only fosters a sense of accountability but also inspires my peers to adopt a similar work ethic. My decision to pursue a degree in nursing is driven by a genuine desire to help others. Having experienced firsthand having a cleft lip and palate, I aim to make a positive impact in the lives of patients and their families. I envision a future where I can combine my passion for nursing with my leadership skills to advocate for those in need, striving to improve access to healthcare and support systems for underserved communities. To me, leadership is about service and empowerment. It means guiding others through compassion, resilience, and unwavering support. A true leader not only advocates for change but also inspires others to do the same, creating a ripple effect of positivity and growth. As I embark on this journey at Winona State University, I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead to develop my leadership skills further and to make a meaningful difference in the nursing field.

Every three minutes, a child is born with a cleft condition. What makes me unique as part of that fact is not my face, but is my response to living with a unilateral cleft lip and palate. My experience has helped me develop commitment and perseverance, which I will bring with me as I pursue a degree in nursing. At age 9, I shared my cleft story for the first time with my Girl Scout troop, and they were inspired to host a toy drive for my hospital. Not having known it then, this was a pivotal moment for me where I realized that telling my story would inspire people to help others, effectively transitioning from a patient to an advocate. I later became a volunteer for Operation Smile, an organization that helps underserved children born with cleft conditions. I started fundraising through my platform “Team We,” contrasting my situation to the lives of cleft-affected kids without access to proper medical care and educating my followers on the impact of Operation Smile. I was awarded the American Society of Plastic Surgeons' Patient of Courage: Triumph Over Adversity Award in 2019. As a middle schooler, I was invited to Operation Smile’s International Student Leadership Conference (ISLC) at Wake Forest University. I shared my experiences with 400 high-school aged conference attendees. In recent years, I have attended ISLC conferences in Miami and Atlanta as a participant, speaker, and having the opportunity to interact with and learn from people of all ages who are making an impact in the world. I have also become a participant in Operation Smile’s Cleft Connect Chat, an online community for cleft-affected teens worldwide that meets monthly and dedicates its energy to empowering other cleft-affected children, which has helped me develop excellent time management skills while navigating medical treatment and mental health challenges. After participating in an Operation Smile medical mission to Asuncion, Paraguay, in March 2025, as I reflect on that experience, getting to see firsthand the impact of Operation Smile, and as I prepare to attend WSU, I am reflective of what I’ve learned from my response to my cleft lip and palate. I have learned to persevere through the challenges of eight significant surgeries and to channel my fear into fundraising efforts, ultimately raising over $60,000 for Operation Smile in the past eight years. That $60,000 has provided safe cleft surgery for over 250 children! Along with the 60 surgeries for children and adults performed during my program. My commitment to those children, myself, my family, my friends, my activities, and my academics will remain as I pursue a degree in Nursing at the College of Nursing & Health Sciences intending to become a pediatric nurse. Instead of something to be overcome, I view my cleft condition as a gift I was given to help others. Since childhood, I’ve used the mantra “You were given this life because you are strong enough to live it” as a tool to help me persevere and carry out the commitments My experiences in various aspects of life have inspired and guided me towards becoming a nurse. My goal is to be the kind of person who helped me when I was in the hospital, supporting other kids in similar situations. I want to advocate for them and help them feel as much at home as possible.

Every three minutes, a child is born with a cleft condition. What makes me unique as part of that fact is not my face, but is my response to living with a unilateral cleft lip and palate. My experience has helped me develop commitment and perseverance, which I will bring to Winona State University. At age 9, I shared my cleft story for the first time with my Girl Scout troop, and they were inspired to host a toy drive for my hospital. Not having known it then, this was a pivotal moment for me where I realized that telling my story would inspire people to help others, effectively transitioning from a patient to an advocate. I later became a volunteer for Operation Smile, an organization that helps underserved children born with cleft conditions. I started fundraising through my platform “Team We,” contrasting my situation to the lives of cleft-affected kids without access to proper medical care and educating my followers on the impact of Operation Smile. I was awarded the American Society of Plastic Surgeons' Patient of Courage: Triumph Over Adversity Award in 2019. As a middle schooler, I was invited to Operation Smile’s International Student Leadership Conference (ISLC) at Wake Forest University. I shared my experiences with 400 high-school aged conference attendees. In recent years, I have attended ISLC conferences in Miami and Atlanta as a participant, speaker, and having the opportunity to interact with and learn from people of all ages who are making an impact in the world. I have also become a participant for Operation Smile’s Cleft Connect Chat, an online community for cleft-affected teens worldwide that meets monthly and devotes energy to empowering other cleft-affected children. I have also developed excellent time management skills while navigating medical treatment and mental health challenges. After participating in an Operation Smile medical mission to Asuncion, Paraguay, in March 2025, as I reflect on that experience, getting to see firsthand the impact of Operation Smile, and as I prepare to attend WSU, I am reflective of what I’ve learned from my response to my cleft lip and palate. I have learned to persevere through the challenges of eight significant surgeries and to channel my fear into fundraising efforts, ultimately raising over $60,000 for Operation Smile in the past eight years. That $60,000 has provided safe cleft surgery for over 250 children! Along with the 60 surgeries for children and adults performed during my program. My commitment to those children, myself, my family, my friends, my activities, and my academics will remain as I pursue a degree in Nursing at the College of Nursing & Health Sciences. Instead of something to be overcome, I view my cleft condition as a gift I was given to help others. Since childhood, I’ve used the mantra “You were given this life because you are strong enough to live it” as a tool to help me persevere and carry out the commitments I’ve made in all aspects of my life.

One of the primary obstacles I face as I look toward my post-high school education is financial constraint. My family's financial situation has been significantly impacted by substantial medical expenses related to my health journey. I have undergone eight major surgeries for my unilateral cleft lip and palate with extensive orthodontic treatment, which has required significant monetary resources. Additionally, my commitment to sports has led to considerable costs associated with participating on a national volleyball team. As a result, my family has struggled to save adequately for my college education, which adds to the pressure I feel. In order to contribute to alleviating these financial burdens, I am working as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) to accelerate in my nursing career along. Receiving this scholarship would alleviate much of the financial strain for the next four years, allowing me to dedicate my full attention to my studies and my aspirations to make a difference. Looking beyond my college experience, I am determined to push the boundaries of my abilities and set even higher goals. This scholarship award would not only represent a financial investment in my education but also a belief in my potential to create meaningful change. I have a vision where everyone can smile, and I am fully committed to making that vision a reality for as many individuals as I can. My passion to give back to my community and the world at large ensures that this investment will make a difference in the future.

Every three minutes, a child is born with a cleft condition. What makes me unique as part of that fact is not my face, but is my response to living with a unilateral cleft lip and palate. My experience has helped me develop commitment and perseverance, which I will bring with me as I pursue a degree in nursing. At age 9, I shared my cleft story for the first time with my Girl Scout troop, and they were inspired to host a toy drive for my hospital. Not having known it then, this was a pivotal moment for me where I realized that telling my story would inspire people to help others, effectively transitioning from a patient to an advocate. I later became a volunteer for Operation Smile, an organization that helps underserved children born with cleft conditions. I started fundraising through my platform “Team We,” contrasting my situation to the lives of cleft-affected kids without access to proper medical care and educating my followers on the impact of Operation Smile. I was awarded the American Society of Plastic Surgeons' Patient of Courage: Triumph Over Adversity Award in 2019. As a middle schooler, I was invited to Operation Smile’s International Student Leadership Conference (ISLC) at Wake Forest University. I shared my experiences with 400 high-school aged conference attendees. In recent years, I have attended ISLC conferences in Miami and Atlanta as a participant, speaker, and having the opportunity to interact with and learn from people of all ages who are making an impact in the world. I have also become a participant in Operation Smile’s Cleft Connect Chat, an online community for cleft-affected teens worldwide that meets monthly and dedicates its energy to empowering other cleft-affected children, which has helped me develop excellent time management skills while navigating medical treatment and mental health challenges. After participating in an Operation Smile medical mission to Asuncion, Paraguay, in March 2025, as I reflect on that experience, getting to see firsthand the impact of Operation Smile, and as I prepare to attend WSU, I am reflective of what I’ve learned from my response to my cleft lip and palate. I have learned to persevere through the challenges of eight significant surgeries and to channel my fear into fundraising efforts, ultimately raising over $60,000 for Operation Smile in the past eight years. That $60,000 has provided safe cleft surgery for over 250 children! Along with the 60 surgeries for children and adults performed during my program. My commitment to those children, myself, my family, my friends, my activities, and my academics will remain as I pursue a degree in Nursing at the College of Nursing & Health Sciences. Instead of something to be overcome, I view my cleft condition as a gift I was given to help others. Since childhood, I’ve used the mantra “You were given this life because you are strong enough to live it” as a tool to help me persevere and carry out the commitments. My experiences in all aspects of life have encouraged me and guided me towards becoming a nurse. I found this scholarship through blog.org!!

Every three minutes, a child is born with a cleft condition. This statistic resonates deeply with me, not just because of my appearance but due to how living with a unilateral cleft lip and palate has shaped my identity. My journey has instilled a sense of commitment and perseverance that defines who I am today. My story began at age nine when I first shared my cleft experience with my Girl Scout troop. Their positive response inspired them to host a toy drive for the hospital where I received treatment. This moment marked a turning point, showing me the power of storytelling. By sharing my experiences, I could inspire others to take action. I transitioned from being a patient to becoming an advocate, igniting my passion for service. As I grew older, my commitment to advocacy deepened. I became a volunteer for Operation Smile, an organization assisting underserved children born with cleft conditions. Through my platform, “Team We,” I raised awareness about the stark contrast between my life and those without proper medical care. This engagement helped educate my followers and encouraged them to join me in this essential mission, emphasizing the power of community. Throughout my journey, I have taken pride in my cleft. Initially seen as a burden that isolated me, I now view it as a source of strength. Each challenge I faced has fueled my desire to help others and pursue my aspirations with determination. Immersing myself in Operation Smile's mission transformed my perspective. I evolved from a passive patient to an active advocate for change. Sharing my story has empowered me and exemplifies the strength we all possess in adversity. Now, I am excited to begin the next chapter of my life as a student at the School of Business at UW-La Crosse, pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a focus on management. My high school experiences have revealed my natural leadership abilities, which I intend to cultivate throughout my academic journey. With 17 years of medical treatment behind me, I am eager to explore career opportunities in the medical field, possibly in medical sales or organizational leadership. I am determined to be part of endeavors that enhance people's lives and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. Through my advocacy, I aim to raise awareness about cleft conditions while promoting compassion and acceptance. I believe everyone deserves the chance to smile, and by sharing my experiences, I hope to inspire others to embrace their unique journeys. Our differences do not define us; they can empower us. I am committed to using my voice to support and uplift others, championing the message that strength lies in our shared humanity.I am excited to embrace what lies ahead. Through my advocacy work, I aim to raise awareness about cleft conditions while emphasizing the importance of compassion and acceptance within society. I firmly believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to smile, and by sharing my life experiences, I hope to inspire others to embrace their unique journeys. Ultimately, it’s not solely about physical appearance; it’s about the tenacity, strength, and resilience inherent in all of us. I take immense pride in my cleft and in all the valuable lessons it has imparted. I am wholeheartedly committed to using my voice to illuminate the path for others, championing the message that our differences do not define us; rather, they can empower us.

Every three minutes, a child is born with a cleft condition. What makes me unique as part of that fact is not my face, but is my response to living with a unilateral cleft lip and palate. My experience has helped me develop commitment and perseverance. At age 9, I shared my cleft story for the first time with my Girl Scout troop, and they were inspired to host a toy drive for my hospital. This was a pivotal moment for me where I realized that telling my story would inspire people to help others, effectively transitioning from a patient to an advocate. I later became a volunteer for Operation Smile, an organization that helps underserved children born with cleft conditions. I started fundraising through my platform “Team We,” contrasting my situation to the lives of cleft-affected kids without access to proper medical care and educating my followers on the impact of Operation Smile. As a middle schooler, I was invited to Operation Smile’s International Student Leadership Conference in NC, where I shared my experiences with 400 conference attendees. In recent years, I have attended ISLC conferences in Miami and Atlanta as a participant and speaker, having the opportunity to learn from people of all ages who are making an impact in the world. I have also become a participant and recruiter for Operation Smile’s Cleft Connect Chat, an online community for cleft-affected teens worldwide that meets monthly and devotes energy to empowering other cleft-affected children. Through this network, I have developed meaningful friendships and supported peers engaged in cleft-related surgical procedures and therapy while in active treatment myself. I am now preparing to participate in an Operation Smile Surgical Program to Asuncion, Paraguay in March of 2025, and have been reflective about my response to my cleft lip and palate. Not only have I learned to persevere through the fear and pain of undergoing eight significant surgeries, I have also learned to channel the debilitating fear about my medical procedures into fundraising efforts, ultimately raising over $50,000 for Operation Smile. While navigating medical treatment and mental health challenges that have come along, I have acquired excellent time management skills, balancing nonprofit work, competing on a national volleyball team, coaching gymnastics, contributing to my family and maintaining my grade point average. I was recognized for this by the ASPS as a recipient of their 2019 Patient of Courage Award Due to my TEAM WE fundraising platform, I learned at an early age that relationships run the world. The network I built through my medical team, famiiy, friends and Operation Smile leadership and their sponsors to raise money for Operation Smile was vital to my fundraising success, and I will use those networking skills I developed to explore career opportunities through informational interviews and internships. Due to my 17 years of cleft medical treatment, I am exploring career opportunities on the business side of the medical field, whether it is medical sales or organizational leadership. Whatever I decide to pursue, I am confident that it will be in the business of making people’s lives better. Having had exposure to Operation Smile at a young age, I’ve always seen the world as a fairly small place that can be traversed, which offers so many opportunities. My network has also been willing to introduce me to opportunities I never thought possible. With this knowledge, I’m excited to see what the future holds. I am proud of the impact I’ve been able to make in the world in my seventeen years, and I’m just getting started. Instead of something to be overcome, I view my cleft condition as a gift I was given to help others. Since childhood, I’ve used the mantra “You were given this life because you are strong enough to live it” as a tool to help me persevere and carry out the commitments I’ve made in all aspects of my life. I will bring these traits of commitment and perseverance with me to college and beyond to be a contributing member of society.

Every three minutes, a child is born with a cleft condition. What makes me unique as part of that fact is not my face, but is my response to living with a unilateral cleft lip and palate. My experience has helped me develop commitment and perseverance. At age 9, I shared my cleft story for the first time with my Girl Scout troop, and they were inspired to host a toy drive for my hospital. This was a pivotal moment for me where I realized that telling my story would inspire people to help others, effectively transitioning from a patient to an advocate. I later became a volunteer for Operation Smile, an organization that helps underserved children born with cleft conditions. I started fundraising through my platform “Team We,” contrasting my situation to the lives of cleft-affected kids without access to proper medical care and educating my followers on the impact of Operation Smile. As a middle schooler, I was invited to Operation Smile’s International Student Leadership Conference in NC, where I shared my experiences with 400 conference attendees. In recent years, I have attended ISLC conferences in Miami and Atlanta as a participant and speaker, having the opportunity to learn from people of all ages who are making an impact in the world. I have also become a participant and recruiter for Operation Smile’s Cleft Connect Chat, an online community for cleft-affected teens worldwide that meets monthly and devotes energy to empowering other cleft-affected children. Through this network, I have developed meaningful friendships and supported peers engaged in cleft-related surgical procedures and therapy while in active treatment myself. I am now preparing to participate in an Operation Smile medical mission in 2025, and have been reflective about my response to my cleft lip and palate. Not only have I learned to persevere through the fear and pain of undergoing eight significant surgeries, I have also learned to channel the debilitating fear about my medical procedures into fundraising efforts, ultimately raising over $50,000 for Operation Smile. While navigating medical treatment and mental health challenges that have come along, I have acquired excellent time management skills, balancing nonprofit work, competing on a national volleyball team, coaching gymnastics, contributing to my family and maintaining my grade point average. I was recognized for this by the ASPS as a recipient of their 2019 Patient of Courage Award. I am proud of the impact I’ve been able to make in the world in my seventeen years, and I’m just getting started. Instead of something to be overcome, I view my cleft condition as a gift I was given to help others. Since childhood, I’ve used the mantra “You were given this life because you are strong enough to live it” as a tool to help me persevere and carry out the commitments I’ve made in all aspects of my life. I will bring these traits of commitment and perseverance with me to college and beyond to be a contributing member of society.

Every three minutes, a child is born with a cleft condition. What makes me unique as part of that fact is not my face, but is my response to living with a unilateral cleft lip and palate. My experience has helped me develop commitment and perseverance. At age 9, I shared my cleft story for the first time with my Girl Scout troop, and they were inspired to host a toy drive for my hospital. This was a pivotal moment for me where I realized that telling my story would inspire people to help others, effectively transitioning from a patient to an advocate. I later became a volunteer for Operation Smile, an organization that helps underserved children born with cleft conditions. I started fundraising through my platform “Team We,” contrasting my situation to the lives of cleft-affected kids without access to proper medical care and educating my followers on the impact of Operation Smile. As a middle schooler, I was invited to Operation Smile’s International Student Leadership Conference in NC, where I shared my experiences with 400 conference attendees. In recent years, I have attended ISLC conferences in Miami and Atlanta as a participant and speaker, having the opportunity to learn from people of all ages who are making an impact in the world. I have also become a participant and recruiter for Operation Smile’s Cleft Connect Chat, an online community for cleft-affected teens worldwide that meets monthly and devotes energy to empowering other cleft-affected children. Through this network, I have developed meaningful friendships and supported peers engaged in cleft-related surgical procedures and therapy while in active treatment myself. I am now preparing to participate in an Operation Smile medical mission in 2025, and have been reflective about my response to my cleft lip and palate. Not only have I learned to persevere through the fear and pain of undergoing eight significant surgeries, I have also learned to channel the debilitating fear about my medical procedures into fundraising efforts, ultimately raising over $50,000 for Operation Smile. While navigating medical treatment and mental health challenges that have come along, I have acquired excellent time management skills, balancing nonprofit work, competing on a national volleyball team, coaching gymnastics, contributing to my family and maintaining my grade point average. I was recognized for this by the ASPS as a recipient of their 2019 Patient of Courage Award. I am proud of the impact I’ve been able to make in the world in my seventeen years, and I’m just getting started. Instead of something to be overcome, I view my cleft condition as a gift I was given to help others. Since childhood, I’ve used the mantra “You were given this life because you are strong enough to live it” as a tool to help me persevere and carry out the commitments I’ve made in all aspects of my life. I will bring these traits of commitment and perseverance with me to college and beyond to be a contributing member of society.

Every three minutes, a child is born with a cleft condition. What makes me unique as part of that fact is not my face, but is my response to living with a unilateral cleft lip and palate. My experience has helped me develop commitment and perseverance. At age 9, I shared my cleft story for the first time with my Girl Scout troop, and they were inspired to host a toy drive for my hospital. This was a pivotal moment for me where I realized that telling my story would inspire people to help others, effectively transitioning from a patient to an advocate. I later became a volunteer for Operation Smile, an organization that helps underserved children born with cleft conditions. I started fundraising through my platform “Team We,” contrasting my situation to the lives of cleft-affected kids without access to proper medical care and educating my followers on the impact of Operation Smile. As a middle schooler, I was invited to Operation Smile’s International Student Leadership Conference in NC, where I shared my experiences with 400 conference attendees. In recent years, I have attended ISLC conferences in Miami and Atlanta as a participant and speaker, having the opportunity to learn from people of all ages who are making an impact in the world. I have also become a participant and recruiter for Operation Smile’s Cleft Connect Chat, an online community for cleft-affected teens worldwide that meets monthly and devotes energy to empowering other cleft-affected children. Through this network, I have developed meaningful friendships and supported peers engaged in cleft-related surgical procedures and therapy while in active treatment myself. I am now preparing to participate in an Operation Smile medical mission in 2025, and have been reflective about my response to my cleft lip and palate. Not only have I learned to persevere through the fear and pain of undergoing eight significant surgeries, I have also learned to channel the debilitating fear about my medical procedures into fundraising efforts, ultimately raising over $50,000 for Operation Smile. While navigating medical treatment and mental health challenges that have come along, I have acquired excellent time management skills, balancing nonprofit work, competing on a national volleyball team, coaching gymnastics, contributing to my family and maintaining my grade point average. I was recognized for this by the ASPS as a recipient of their 2019 Patient of Courage Award. I am proud of the impact I’ve been able to make in the world in my seventeen years, and I’m just getting started. Instead of something to be overcome, I view my cleft condition as a gift I was given to help others. Since childhood, I’ve used the mantra “You were given this life because you are strong enough to live it” as a tool to help me persevere and carry out the commitments I’ve made in all aspects of my life. I will bring these traits of commitment and perseverance with me to college and beyond to be a contributing member of society.

Every three minutes, a child is born with a cleft condition. What makes me unique as part of that fact is not my face, but is my response to living with a unilateral cleft lip and palate. My experience has helped me develop commitment and perseverance. At age 9, I shared my cleft story for the first time with my Girl Scout troop, and they were inspired to host a toy drive for my hospital. This was a pivotal moment for me where I realized that telling my story would inspire people to help others, effectively transitioning from a patient to an advocate. I later became a volunteer for Operation Smile, an organization that helps underserved children born with cleft conditions. I started fundraising through my platform “Team We,” contrasting my situation to the lives of cleft-affected kids without access to proper medical care and educating my followers on the impact of Operation Smile. As a middle schooler, I was invited to Operation Smile’s International Student Leadership Conference in NC, where I shared my experiences with 400 conference attendees. In recent years, I have attended ISLC conferences in Miami and Atlanta as a participant and speaker, having the opportunity to learn from people of all ages who are making an impact in the world. I have also become a participant and recruiter for Operation Smile’s Cleft Connect Chat, an online community for cleft-affected teens worldwide that meets monthly and devotes energy to empowering other cleft-affected children. Through this network, I have developed meaningful friendships and supported peers engaged in cleft-related surgical procedures and therapy while in active treatment myself. I am now preparing to participate in an Operation Smile medical mission in 2025, and have been reflective about my response to my cleft lip and palate. Not only have I learned to persevere through the fear and pain of undergoing eight significant surgeries, I have also learned to channel the debilitating fear about my medical procedures into fundraising efforts, ultimately raising over $50,000 for Operation Smile. While navigating medical treatment and mental health challenges that have come along, I have acquired excellent time management skills, balancing nonprofit work, competing on a national volleyball team, coaching gymnastics, contributing to my family and maintaining my grade point average. I was recognized for this by the ASPS as a recipient of their 2019 Patient of Courage Award. I am proud of the impact I’ve been able to make in the world in my seventeen years, and I’m just getting started. Instead of something to be overcome, I view my cleft condition as a gift I was given to help others. Since childhood, I’ve used the mantra “You were given this life because you are strong enough to live it” as a tool to help me persevere and carry out the commitments I’ve made in all aspects of my life. I will bring these traits of commitment and perseverance with me to college and beyond to be a contributing member of society.

Every three minutes, a child is born with a cleft condition. What makes me unique as part of that fact is not my face, but is my response to living with a unilateral cleft lip and palate. My experience has helped me develop commitment and perseverance. At age 9, I shared my cleft story for the first time with my Girl Scout troop, and they were inspired to host a toy drive for my hospital. This was a pivotal moment for me where I realized that telling my story would inspire people to help others, effectively transitioning from a patient to an advocate. I later became a volunteer for Operation Smile, an organization that helps underserved children born with cleft conditions. I started fundraising through my platform “Team We,” contrasting my situation to the lives of cleft-affected kids without access to proper medical care and educating my followers on the impact of Operation Smile. As a middle schooler, I was invited to Operation Smile’s International Student Leadership Conference in NC, where I shared my experiences with 400 conference attendees. In recent years, I have attended ISLC conferences in Miami and Atlanta as a participant and speaker, having the opportunity to learn from people of all ages who are making an impact in the world. I have also become a participant and recruiter for Operation Smile’s Cleft Connect Chat, an online community for cleft-affected teens worldwide that meets monthly and devotes energy to empowering other cleft-affected children. Through this network, I have developed meaningful friendships and supported peers engaged in cleft-related surgical procedures and therapy while in active treatment myself. I am now preparing to participate in an Operation Smile medical mission in 2025, and have been reflective about my response to my cleft lip and palate. Not only have I learned to persevere through the fear and pain of undergoing eight significant surgeries, I have also learned to channel the debilitating fear about my medical procedures into fundraising efforts, ultimately raising over $50,000 for Operation Smile. While navigating medical treatment and mental health challenges that have come along, I have acquired excellent time management skills, balancing nonprofit work, competing on a national volleyball team, coaching gymnastics, contributing to my family and maintaining my grade point average. I was recognized for this by the ASPS as a recipient of their 2019 Patient of Courage Award. I am proud of the impact I’ve been able to make in the world in my seventeen years, and I’m just getting started. Instead of something to be overcome, I view my cleft condition as a gift I was given to help others. Since childhood, I’ve used the mantra “You were given this life because you are strong enough to live it” as a tool to help me persevere and carry out the commitments I’ve made in all aspects of my life. I will bring these traits of commitment and perseverance with me to college and beyond to be a contributing member of society.

Every three minutes, a child is born with a cleft condition. What makes me unique as part of that fact is not my face, but is my response to living with a unilateral cleft lip and palate. My experience has helped me develop commitment and perseverance. At age 9, I shared my cleft story for the first time with my Girl Scout troop, and they were inspired to host a toy drive for my hospital. This was a pivotal moment for me where I realized that telling my story would inspire people to help others, effectively transitioning from a patient to an advocate. I later became a volunteer for Operation Smile, an organization that helps underserved children born with cleft conditions. I started fundraising through my platform “Team We,” contrasting my situation to the lives of cleft-affected kids without access to proper medical care and educating my followers on the impact of Operation Smile. As a middle schooler, I was invited to Operation Smile’s International Student Leadership Conference in NC, where I shared my experiences with 400 conference attendees. In recent years, I have attended ISLC conferences in Miami and Atlanta as a participant and speaker, having the opportunity to learn from people of all ages who are making an impact in the world. I have also become a participant and recruiter for Operation Smile’s Cleft Connect Chat, an online community for cleft-affected teens worldwide that meets monthly and devotes energy to empowering other cleft-affected children. Through this network, I have developed meaningful friendships and supported peers engaged in cleft-related surgical procedures and therapy while in active treatment myself. I am now preparing to participate in an Operation Smile medical mission in 2025, and have been reflective about my response to my cleft lip and palate. Not only have I learned to persevere through the fear and pain of undergoing eight significant surgeries, I have also learned to channel the debilitating fear about my medical procedures into fundraising efforts, ultimately raising over $50,000 for Operation Smile. While navigating medical treatment and mental health challenges that have come along, I have acquired excellent time management skills, balancing nonprofit work, competing on a national volleyball team, coaching gymnastics, contributing to my family and maintaining my grade point average. I was recognized for this by the ASPS as a recipient of their 2019 Patient of Courage Award. I am proud of the impact I’ve been able to make in the world in my seventeen years, and I’m just getting started. Instead of something to be overcome, I view my cleft condition as a gift I was given to help others. Since childhood, I’ve used the mantra “You were given this life because you are strong enough to live it” as a tool to help me persevere and carry out the commitments I’ve made in all aspects of my life. I will bring these traits of commitment and perseverance with me to college and beyond to be a contributing member of society.

I take immense pride in my cleft as it has profoundly shaped my identity and contributed to my personal growth. Reflecting on my journey, I realize that the challenges I faced due to my cleft have fueled my passion for helping others and pursuing my aspirations with determination. Initially, I viewed my cleft merely as a burden, a difference that set me apart from those around me. However, over time, I have come to see it not just as a physical trait, but as a source of strength and resilience that has molded me into the person I am today. The impact of having a cleft on my mental health cannot be understated. There were times when I struggled with feelings of isolation and low self-esteem, particularly during my adolescence when societal pressures and beauty standards weighed heavily on me. I often felt anxious in social settings, worried about how others perceived my appearance. This internal battle sometimes dimmed my confidence and made me question my worth. Participating in Operation Smile was a pivotal moment in my life that completely transformed my perspective. I went from being a patient, reliant on the kindness and expertise of others, to becoming an advocate for change and awareness. This transition allowed me to channel my experiences into something meaningful, enabling me to support and uplift others who are facing similar challenges. The journey of sharing my story has been incredibly empowering, and I take great pride in articulating the positive impact my cleft has had on my life. Through my advocacy work, I strive to raise awareness about cleft conditions and emphasize the importance of compassion and acceptance within society. I firmly believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to smile, and by sharing my experiences, I hope to inspire others to embrace their unique journeys. It’s not just about the physical appearance; it’s about the strength, determination, and resilience we all possess, no matter the challenges we face. I am immensely proud of my cleft and all the lessons it has taught me. I have learned that mental health is just as important as physical health, and my experiences have instilled in me a desire to promote understanding and support for others grappling with similar feelings. I am committed to using my voice to help illuminate the path for others, encouraging them to seek help when needed and to recognize the strength that lies within their journey.

I have been accepted into my first college choice, the School of Business at UW-La Crosse, which will allow me to get a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, with a focus on management. Through my involvement at my high school, at work and Operation Smile, I have found that leadership comes naturally to me, and as a result will be the focus of my academic study. I am exploring options for a study abroad program during my four years at school in order to experience other parts of the world to become a more well-rounded and empathetic human, citizen and professional. Since being accepted at UW-La Crosse, I intend to take advantage of the club and intramural opportunities the school offers. Since I will be away from home for the next four years, making friends is essential, and participating in these groups will make that easier. I also know I’m happiest and most effective as a student when I’m heavily involved. I will join Active Minds, Hiking Club and potentially start an Operation Smile Club, which would spread awareness of a cause I’m deeply involved in and help me create a legacy at UW-La Crosse. Additionally, having something to be responsible for would help me transition into college. I will also continue my work with Operation Smile, participating in International Surgical Programs, attending their annual global student leadership conference for college students and continuing my fundraising efforts. Due to my TEAM WE fundraising platform, I learned at an early age that relationships run the world. The network I built through my medical team, famiiy, friends and Operation Smile leadership and their sponsors to raise money for Operation Smile was vital to my fundraising success, and I will use those networking skills I developed to explore career opportunities through informational interviews and internships. Due to my 17 years of cleft medical treatment, I am exploring career opportunities on the business side of the medical field, whether it is medical sales or organizational leadership. Whatever I decide to pursue, I am confident that it will be in the business of making people’s lives better. Having had exposure to Operation Smile at a young age, I’ve always seen the world as a fairly small place that can be traversed, which offers so many opportunities. My network has also been willing to introduce me to opportunities I never thought possible. With this knowledge, I’m excited to see what the future holds.

Every three minutes, a child is born with a cleft condition. What makes me unique as part of that fact is not my face, but is my response to living with a unilateral cleft lip and palate. My experience has helped me develop commitment and perseverance. At age 9, I shared my cleft story with my Girl Scout troop, inspiring them to host a toy drive for my hospital. This pivotal moment transitioned me from patient to advocate. I became a volunteer with Operation Smile, raising awareness and funds through my platform “Team We,” highlighting the lives of cleft-affected children without access to medical care. As a middle schooler, I spoke at Operation Smile’s International Student Leadership Conference, and I've continued to attend conferences and connect with cleft-affected teens globally through Cleft Connect Chat. These experiences have allowed me to support peers while navigating my own treatment journey. I am now preparing to participate in an Operation Smile medical mission in 2025, and have been reflective about my response to my cleft lip and palate. Not only have I learned to persevere through the fear and pain of undergoing eight significant surgeries, I have also learned to channel the debilitating fear about my medical procedures into fundraising efforts, ultimately raising over $50,000 for Operation Smile. While navigating medical treatment and mental health challenges that have come along, I have acquired excellent time management skills, balancing nonprofit work, competing on a national volleyball team, coaching gymnastics, contributing to my family and maintaining my grade point average. I was recognized for this by the ASPS as a recipient of their 2019 Patient of Courage Award. I am proud of the impact I’ve been able to make in the world in my seventeen years, and I’m just getting started. Instead of something to be overcome, I view my cleft condition as a gift I was given to help others. Since childhood, I’ve used the mantra “You were given this life because you are strong enough to live it” as a tool to help me persevere and carry out the commitments I’ve made in all aspects of my life. I will bring these traits of commitment and perseverance with me to college and beyond to be a contributing member of society.

Every three minutes, a child is born with a cleft condition. What makes me unique as part of that fact is not my face, but is my response to living with a unilateral cleft lip and palate. My experience has helped me develop commitment and perseverance. At age 9, I shared my cleft story for the first time with my Girl Scout troop, and they were inspired to host a toy drive for my hospital. This was a pivotal moment for me where I realized that telling my story would inspire people to help others, effectively transitioning from a patient to an advocate. I later became a volunteer for Operation Smile, an organization that helps underserved children born with cleft conditions. I started fundraising through my platform “Team We,” contrasting my situation to the lives of cleft-affected kids without access to proper medical care and educating my followers on the impact of Operation Smile. As a middle schooler, I was invited to Operation Smile’s International Student Leadership Conference in NC, where I shared my experiences with 400 conference attendees. In recent years, I have attended ISLC conferences in Miami and Atlanta as a participant and speaker, having the opportunity to learn from people of all ages who are making an impact in the world. I have also become a participant and recruiter for Operation Smile’s Cleft Connect Chat, an online community for cleft-affected teens worldwide that meets monthly and devotes energy to empowering other cleft-affected children. Through this network, I have developed meaningful friendships and supported peers engaged in cleft-related surgical procedures and therapy while in active treatment myself. I am now preparing to participate in an Operation Smile medical mission in 2025, and have been reflective about my response to my cleft lip and palate. Not only have I learned to persevere through the fear and pain of undergoing eight significant surgeries, I have also learned to channel the debilitating fear about my medical procedures into fundraising efforts, ultimately raising over $50,000 for Operation Smile. While navigating medical treatment and mental health challenges that have come along, I have acquired excellent time management skills, balancing nonprofit work, competing on a national volleyball team, coaching gymnastics, contributing to my family and maintaining my grade point average. I was recognized for this by the ASPS as a recipient of their 2019 Patient of Courage Award. I am proud of the impact I’ve been able to make in the world in my seventeen years, and I’m just getting started. Instead of something to be overcome, I view my cleft condition as a gift I was given to help others. Since childhood, I’ve used the mantra “You were given this life because you are strong enough to live it” as a tool to help me persevere and carry out the commitments I’ve made in all aspects of my life. I will bring these traits of commitment and perseverance with me to college and beyond to be a contributing member of society.